BISMARCK, N.D. - The State Board of Higher Education today announced the reassignment of Dr. Sharon Hart, president of North Dakota State College of Science, to interim executive director of the College Technical Education Council. The board also named Dr. John Richman, NDSCS vice president for academic and student affairs, as interim president of the community college in Wahpeton, N.D.

During board discussions, SBHE President John Q. Paulsen acknowledged Dr. Hart's accomplishments since becoming president of NDSCS in 2000.

"Dr. Hart has been required to make some difficult decisions for the benefit of NDSCS," Paulsen said. "Her performance evaluations have been excellent, and her reassignment to the CTEC position will allow the University System to continue to benefit from her knowledge and expertise."

Hart will resign her position as NDSCS president Sept. 15, 2006, and begin her CTEC duties Sept. 16, 2006. The CTEC position became vacant when Eddie Dunn, former CTEC executive director and vice chancellor for strategic planning, became chancellor of the North Dakota University System Aug. 4, 2006.

Hart will continue as interim executive director of CTEC until June 30, 2007, unless she resigns from the position at an earlier date. She will continue to be compensated according to the terms of her presidential contract, including an annual salary of $123,736, an annual $11,000 vehicle allowance and an annual $20,000 housing allowance, which now will include provision for a home office.

Richman will become interim president of NDSCS Sept. 16, 2006. He will continue his responsibilities as vice president for academic and student affairs. Richman served as interim vice president of instruction at NDSCS for one year before being named to his current position in May 2003.

"Dr. Richman's relationship with NDSCS began as a student there more than 30 years ago," Paulsen said. "He understands the college's rich past and has the vision and experience needed to guide NDSCS during this time of transition. The State Board of Higher Education looks forward to his leadership of this great institution."

Richman received a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from what is now Minnesota State University Moorhead and a doctorate in kinesiology from the University of Minnesota in 1991. Richman returned to NDSCS in 1986 as the head football coach and as an instructor in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department. His past experience includes three years as an athletic director, teacher and coach at Ada (Minn.) High School, three-plus years as an assistant football coach at MSU Moorhead and three years as an assistant football coach at the University of North Dakota.

Richman will receive an annual salary of $123,736, an annual $11,000 vehicle allowance and an annual $10,000 housing/hosting allowance. He will not become a candidate for the permanent position unless requested to do so by a search committee or the SBHE.